FARMINGTON — Jon A. Lanford, 77 of Farmington died Friday, Nov. 4, at Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Living Center.

He was born Sept. 24, 1934, in San Diego, Calif., the son of William K. and Mary (Willis) Lanford. The family then moved to Texas where he attended school in Irving and at Arlington State College where he was active in ROTC.

In 1954, Jon enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, which brought him to New England. He was stationed at Cape Elizabeth at the lighthouse on Rock Island Ledge and later on the Coast Guard Cutter, Acushnet.

On Oct. 19, 1957, he married Anita Mercier in Fitchburg, Mass. They made their home and raised their family in Westminster, Mass.

After his discharge from the service, he went to work for Crocker Burbank Paper Co. in Fitchburg, Mass. He started as a laborer, worked on the paper machines, then as a paper tester in the lab. In 1965 he began his career as a paper salesman.

When James River Corp. bought the Fitchburg plant and the Otis Mill in Jay, he became sales manager for both mills. He was made vice president of the James River Corp. in June 1978. In 1985, he became mill manager of the Otis Mill of Jay. He retired in June 1990.

Jon was an avid golfer and a member of Wilson Lake Country Club for many years. He loved to hunt and fish with his family and friends. For a stretch of about 10 years, he and Anita were snowbirds in the Myrtle Beach area, where Jon played golf and they enjoyed the mild weather. 

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Anita; his daughter, Cheryl Welch and her husband, Bruce, of Farmington; a son, Jon B. and Melissa of Acworth, Ga.; a son, Matthew and his friend, Kristin Sween, of Casper, Wyo.; a daughter, Jennifer Taylor and her husband, Scott, of Wilton; and five grandchildren, Ashley, DJ (Dennis Jon), Madeena, Matthew and Katelyn. 

He was predeceased by an infant son, Jeff; his parents; a sister, Linda Hill; and a brother, Tad Lanford.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Jon’s family at www.wilesrc.com.